Interior Design: Foundation Level

Emily Wilson shares her story on balancing work, school and real life.

The Foundation Level provides beginners with a fundamental education in the field of interior architecture. It is the only program in the nation leading to a Master of Interior Architecture degree that is offered on a continuing education basis.

The Certificate Program offers:

Open Enrollment

Flexible class loads and scheduling

Advanced Standing: If you have taken architecture, art, or design-related courses at other institutions, you may qualify for Advanced Standing. To determine what transfer credits you may qualify for, you will need to make an appointment with the Program Advisor by calling (310) 794-3747.

Distinguished instructors who are practicing professionals in interior design, architecture, or fine arts.

NCIDQ examination eligibility after a higher amount of required work experience.

Internships, mentorships, and job placement opportunities are made available with the help of our Program Advisor.

Students who complete the Certificate with a grade point average of 3.0 or better and have a bachelor’s degree are eligible for the Master of Interior Architecture degree. Please see the Master of Interior Architecture for more details.

Program Requirements & Curriculum

Establishing Candidacy is required in order to earn the Certificate of Interior Design. Domestic students may take up to five classes before establishing Candidacy; International students must obtain Candidacy prior to starting the program. Candidate students have exclusive access to a set of resources & benefits including:

Full-time Student Affairs Advisor dedicated to working individually with each student

International students must complete a minimum of 12 units per quarter and must establish Candidacy during the I-20 process. For more information, please visit the International Student Office.

In order to earn the Certificate of Interior Design, all 18 courses must be completed with a recorded letter grade. A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be earned in order to fulfill the certificate requirement. Please note that a minimum 3.0 GPA must be earned to be considered for the Master of Interior Architecture degree program. The pass/no pass grading option is not permitted. Students are encouraged to follow the Quarterly Curriculum Sequence in order to efficiently progress through the program.

Notes:
* These courses are occasionally offered online. Please check the current schedule for availability.
History of Environmental Arts I & III are offered in Spring & Fall quarters; History of Environmental Arts II & IV are offered in Summer & Winter quarters.